Iowa State Strong in Season Opener vs. Penn State

AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State gymnastics team opened the 2014 season in Hilton Coliseum on Sunday, falling to No. 15 Penn State by a score of 193.925-193.550. Caitlin Brown was a highlight for the Cyclones in the season-opener, as the junior won the all-around competition, with a career-best score of 38.900.

“At this time last year it looked like it was going to be a breakout season for Caitlin Brown,” Head coach Jay Ronayne said. “She went down with an injury and didn’t have the opportunity. Now Cyclone fans will have the opportunity to see how awesome she is. She is just putting it all together.”

Balance Beam:The Cyclones came out with a very strong showing on the beam, led by Brown and sophomore Alex Marasco, both of whom scored an event-best 9.775 on the apparatus. Senior Henrietta Green followed suit with a 9.750 as the Cyclones out-scored the Nittany Lions, 48.725-48.475 on the beam.

Uneven Bars:The bars were another apparatus in which Iowa State gained an advantage over Penn State. The Cyclones had the top-two gymnasts in the event, led by Green (9.825) and Camille Santerre (9.775). The Cyclones won the bars by a score of 48.600-48.225. Following the dual, Ronayne said that Green will be a gymnast for fans to keep their eyes on this season

“Henrietta Green is another huge highlight for us,” Ronayne said. “All preseason she has looked like a brand new gymnast and she is going to get better and better. She is going to be a top scorer all season.”

Floor Exercise:The Cyclones posted the three highest scores on floor, as both Green and Milan Ivory performed dynamic routines en route to matching scores of 9.800. Brown, who posted a 9.775 on floor, followed the senior duo of Green and Ivory to give ISU the event’s top finishers.

Vault:Milan Ivory led the way for Iowa State on vault, posting the Cyclones’ highest score with a 9.700. Ivory was the lone Cyclone among the event’s top-five finishers. Penn State’s Randi Lau received the highest score of the day on vault, with a 9.825.

Up Next:The Cyclones will be back in action on Friday at 6:30 p.m. CT as they take on No. 7 Michigan and Illinois State in Hilton Coliseum.